Hal hoping to write history in Bosnia

9 October 2015

Forward aiming to seal qualification in Zenica

Undefeated so far in eight qualifying games, Wales just need to avoid defeat in either of their final two to secure a place at Euro 2016, which would take them to their first international tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

Reading Academy graduate Hal Robson-Kanu, who has featured heavily in the Group B campaign alongside club-mate Chris Gunter and netted a critical goal against Cyprus, is delighted with the way the campaign has gone so far; however he knows the team cannot take their eye off the ball in their final two games. The final fixture is in Cardiff against minnows Andorra, but Hal wants to finish the job when the Dragons meet Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica tonight.

“It doesn’t really get much bigger than this,” he said. “We are fully focused on achieving qualification and we’re going to enjoy it. There are still two games to play, and to be in the position we are in at the top of the group, a lot of hard work has gone into. We’re are where we want to be and we are definitely looking to finish it off.”

“It’s about work-rate and a lot of people might not see the set-up work that players do. Sometimes all the focus is obviously on [Gareth] Bale being the world’s most expensive player, but it’s an honour to play with players like that. You’d prefer to be playing with them than against them. It’s about linking the play, and about occupying defenders, and that’s what I’m good at.”

The last 57 years has delivered little but anguish and near-misses for Wales, but the 26-year-old is enjoying being part of a group of players that are delivering for their nation.

“Every time I pull on a Wales jersey it’s a massive honour to be representing my country and the success we are having now and beginning to enjoy makes it an absolute pleasure,” he said.

“We can really feel the buzz around the whole nation. We are looking to kick-start what could be a special few decades maybe for Welsh football.”

Hal, Gunter and the other international Royals will be back in action in blue and white hoops next weekend – we take on Charlton Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship at Madejski Stadium. Join us here, and money on tickets by buying in advance – click here for ticket information.